Nikon Inc. is excited to share that they have started accepting entries for the Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025.

The Contest is a global competition for photography and film that aims to promote imaging culture by connecting both professional and amateur photographers and filmmakers worldwide. Since 1969, many photographers and filmmakers have participated and shared their passion. In the 39th Contest, about 35,000 participants from 180 countries submitted over 70,000 entries.

The 40th Contest has changed its name from Nikon Photo Contest to Nikon Film and Photo Contest. This new name shows that it’s now focusing on both photographers and filmmakers. Additionally, the Contest logo has been redesigned to better represent the idea of bringing together works created from different viewpoints.

Sarah Leen Selected as Lead Judge

Sarah Leen has been appointed as the Lead Judge for the Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025. She made history as the first female director of photography for National Geographic and founded the Visual Thinking Collective in 2020, supporting female professionals in the visual arts. Her work significantly impacts various artists, particularly emerging photographers.

“I am delighted to be returning as the lead judge for the 2024-2025 Nikon Film and Photo Contest. In my past role as the lead judge, I was very impressed with the quality of the photographs and the films that we received. For this next edition of the Contest, we are hoping to see photography and filmmaking that inspire and connect us through visual storytelling,” said Sarah Leen. “I would like to encourage all photographers and filmmakers to consider submitting your work to this contest not only for the exceptional prizes, but also for the opportunity for your work to be seen by both the public and members of our visual community. This could be a career-changing moment for you and your creative work.”

Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025 Overview

The Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025, marking its 40th year since it began in 1969, will feature a Short Film Competition with Super-Short and 5-Minute categories, along with a Photo Competition that includes Single Photo and Photo Story categories.

The Competitions Theme: “Inspire”

This time, the theme for the Short Film and Photo Competitions is “Inspire.” Works that bring fresh perspectives and feelings are welcome. The winners of the Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025 will be announced in September 2025. Judges will be listed on the contest website as they are appointed.

Eligibility

The Contest is open to all professional and amateur photographers/filmmakers, regardless of age, gender, or nationality.

Entry Categories

Short Film Competition
Theme: “Inspire”

English subtitles are required if a language other than English is used in films (not required if English is used).

1. Super-Short Film Category
2. 1. Entry format: 20- to 40-second-long video
   2. Any equipment may be used.
3. 5-Minute Film Category
4. 1. Entry format: 3– to 5-minute-long video
   2. Any equipment may be used.

Photo Competition
Theme: “Inspire”

1)      Single Photo Category

a.       Entry format: Single photo

b.      Any equipment may be used.

2)      Photo Story Category

a.       Entry format: Photo story (two to five images)

b.      Any equipment may be used.

Entry Period

12:00 a.m. October 30, 2024 through 11:00 p.m. February 16, 2025 EST.

How to Enter

Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025 website: https://www.nikon-photocontest.com/en/

To enter the contest, fill out the entry form on the Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025 website, available from 12:00 a.m. on October 30, 2024. For details on eligibility, submission rules, and judging, visit the Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025 website.

Awards, Prizes, and Selection of Winners

One Grand Prize will be awarded to the top entry in each category (Film and Photo). Additionally, two entries from each category will receive an Excellence Award, and three entries will get a Special Encouragement Award. The General Public Award winners will be chosen through public voting on the finalists.

Award	Competition	Category	Number of winners	Prizes
Grand Prize	Short Film Competition	Super-Short Film Category	1	Prize money of 500,000 Japanese yen, Z8 camera, NIKKOR Z lens
		5-Minute Film Category	1
	Photo Competition	Single Photo Category	1
		Photo Story Category	1
Excellence Award	Short Film Competition	Super-Short Film Category	2	Z6III camera, NIKKOR Z lens video accessories
		5-Minute Film Category	2
	Photo Competition	Single Photo Category	2	Z6III camera, NIKKOR Z lens
		Photo Story Category	2
Special Encouragement Award	Short Film Competition	Super-Short Film Category	3	Z30 camera, NIKKOR Z lens video accessories
		5-Minute Film Category	3
	Photo Competition	Single Photo Category	3	Zfc camera, NIKKOR Z lens
		Photo Story Category	3
Special awards			Number of winners	Prizes
General Public Award	Short Film Competition		1	Z50 camera, NIKKOR Z lens
	Photo Competition		1

-Lenses and accessories will be decided by Nikon.

-Prizes may be changed without notice. In the event of an international incident or conflict with the laws and regulations of a country, it might take a while to deliver the prize. Alternatively, if the prize is undeliverable to the winner, prize money specified by the organizer might be awarded to the winner instead.